Former football star Dani Alves faces trial for alleged rape in Barcelona nightclub scandal

In a high-profile trial that commenced on Monday, former Brazilian football sensation Dani Alves is facing serious accusations of rape stemming from an incident at a posh nightclub in Barcelona back in 2022.

Prosecutors are pushing for a nine-year prison sentence, followed by a decade of conditional liberty and a hefty compensation of 150,000 euros for the victim.

Alves, the 40-year-old former Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain defender, arrived at court in a police van, donning a white shirt and jeans. He has been in custody since his arrest in January 2023, following allegations by a young woman who claimed he raped her in the VIP bathroom of Sutton nightclub on December 31, 2022.

During the trial, which is expected to conclude on Wednesday, approximately 30 individuals, including Alves, his wife, the accuser, and nightclub staff, will provide testimony. The verdict is anticipated in the coming weeks.

According to prosecutors, Alves, who was on vacation in Barcelona after the World Cup in Qatar, offered champagne to the young woman before allegedly assaulting her in a concealed area of the nightclub. The indictment describes a distressing situation, with the victim pleading to leave, but Alves allegedly preventing her from doing so.

Alves initially denied knowing the accuser during a television interview but later claimed consensual sex. The trial has revealed conflicting statements from Alves, with the prosecution highlighting his changing narrative.

The accuser, whose identity remains confidential, received medical treatment after the incident and is currently undergoing therapy for post-traumatic stress.

Despite attempts by Alves’ legal team to conduct a closed-door trial, it was rejected. However, the public and media will be excluded when the accuser takes the stand.

Notably, Alves’ mother, Lucia Alves, faced controversy after naming and sharing a picture of her son’s accuser on social media in January, a post she has since removed.

Spain’s courts have consistently denied requests for Alves’ release pending trial, citing concerns about him fleeing to Brazil, a country that typically does not extradite its citizens.

Renowned as one of the greatest full-backs in the history of football, Alves won an impressive 42 trophies throughout his illustrious career, including three Champions League titles with Barcelona and two Copa America victories with Brazil.

The trial raises questions about the legacy of a player whose reputation extends beyond the football pitch.